Dad accused of driving 109 mph with young kids in car

A father from Tigard is accused of driving his car at speeds of more than 100 mph with his two young children inside.

A deputy was driving southbound on Interstate 5 on Sunday in an unmarked patrol car when the suspect passed the deputy at a high rate of speed just north of Woodburn, Marion County, sheriff's deputies said.

The deputy watched the car change lanes erratically and tailgate other vehicles until they moved out of the way, investigators said.

As the deputy pulled into position to stop the car, it suddenly slowed down and sped up several times as though challenging the unmarked patrol car to a race, deputies said.

As it sped off, the deputy clocked the car going 109 mph.

After stopping the car near Keizer, the deputy contacted the driver.

That's when he saw a 5-year-old boy without a seat belt on in the back seat.

He also saw a 2-year-old girl in the rear seat, sitting in a child's car seat that was improperly secured, deputies said.

According to investigators, Jeff Bankston, 24, could offer no explanation for his driving other to say he had recently installed a turbo charger.

He was cited for several traffic violations and then arrested for reckless driving and reckless endangerment.

The car and the children were released to the front seat passenger and the children's mother, Stephanie Martinez, 31, of Woodburn.

Bankston posted bail at 9:15 p.m. Sunday. He is due in court on Aug. 26.